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The mind is likely to be trained according to the meas- 

 ure of elasticity and freedom allowed it after the general 

 functions of the body have appropriated what nerve 

 power they require. The ^persistency of bodily sensa- 

 tions may give them an educational power more potent 

 in deciding spontaneous mental action than the drill of 

 studies. 



Among the agencies which very strikingly affect men- 

 tal power and dispositions is the state of the air by which 

 the body is surrounded. A warm temperature produces 

 its repressive action upon the mind by the effect of heat 

 upon the vasomotor system of nerves. Variations in the 

 jpurity of the air, even more markedly than changes in 

 its temperature, modify the action of the brain. It has 

 been found that eloquent harangues were far from being 

 as efficacious in dispelling apparent spiritual apathy and 

 obduracy, as an abundant supply of fresh air. Drowsy 

 brains, in ill-ventilated rooms, may blunt the points of 

 the most piercing shafts of truth. 



Physical exercise, other things being equal, so directly 

 determines the quality, amount and pressure of blood in 

 the head that its effects upon the development and action 

 of the brain become very apparent. Beneficial as physical 

 exercise proves itself to be, if it be too severe, continu- 

 ous, or prolonged, it may arrest mental activity. So also 

 intense efforts of the mind may arrest physical develop- 

 ment. The proper co-ordination of these two depart- 

 ments of nervous life needs a careful consideration. For 

 the highest equable development of both the physical and 

 mental powers, their exercise must be properly propor- 

 tioned. The special culture of either generally results 

 in the impoverishment of the other. The undoubted 

 healthful influence of gymnastic exercises and athletic 

 sports both upon the mind and upon the body should not 



